Book of Memories for Charles Joseph Keefe

Condolence From Geri

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:53:26 EDT

Happy Birthday Dad. I'll bet this is your best birthday in a long, long time. Celebrating with your parents, Mom, Laura, Peggy and all of your friends. Sad to say, it is the worst one for me. I miss you so much, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. So many times I have said to myself I have to tell Dad, and then I remember I can't. It's really hard for me, I just miss you, probably more than I have a right to. I know that you are at peace and that you are not alone, but I just have this awful void that I just can't shake. I look around and everyone seems to have moved on with their lives, but I feel like I am stuck. I guess it will just take more time, maybe I depended on you too much. Well, this was supposed to be a happy birthday note, but some how I got off on a tangent about me. So, I wish you a wonderful birthday, and I hope you watch over me always. I love you so much.

Condolence From Geri

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:27:57 EDT

Dad, 5/18/2012 I put the date of 5/18 down, but I honestly am not sure what the date is. I still miss you so much. I have a hard time trying not to cry, but I often fail. I guess I became far too dependent on you, more than I had a right to. So now I feel loss, just about every minute of every day. I was going to move into your house in Niantic, but I think you helped me change my mind. It’s probably best that I just go home and try to move on with my life. I am glad that Soapie and Gloria are with you now. It must be so wonderful. Sucks for me though. The last year was all about us, now it feels like it’s only me. Zack is pretty busy with his work and on his free time, he is working with Charlie, who by the way is doing wonderfully. He has already won 2 ribbons. Everyone else has gone there own way, busy with different things. To be totally honest with you, there is not too much I want to do. I have spent my days on the computer looking for jobs. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. I know you are all watching over me and will guide me along. It is just so hard to shake this sadness, I am really trying, but the tears are as common place as breathing. I pray that you are beyond happy in heaven. I hope you have seen everyone and that you are all catching up with each other. Tell everyone I say hello, I love and miss them all. Please pray for me Dad. I miss you so much. Until we meet again, I love you forever. Geri

Condolence From Katie Wood

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:08:16 EDT

Gramps, There are no words to explain how special you are...I am so blessed that Austyn had the opportunity to meet you. There are so many memories, but I will never forget the time you and I sat on the bench in Old Saybrook looking out into the Long Island Sound. You told me so many stories from your life that I will never forget and pass on to Austyn one day. You were truly the best Grandfather- you were so involved in all our lives and I feel so lucky to have had you in my life so long. Some of my favorite times were visiting you in Florida, having you at my basketball games, picnics at the Marina, Old Saybrook and your house, the family cruise, boat rides and hearing that famous whistle of yours. Every whistele I hear, I will know you are near. I love you Gramps.

Condolence From Matt Keefe

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:49:16 EDT

Grandpa- Thank you for all the lif lessons and memories that you gave me. We are going to miss you. I am happy that I was able to spend so much time with you and that you where able to meet Ali, Brayden and Avery. I know that you can see Nolan Charles from above. You where a great man and a great role model. Thank you for everything. I love you. Matt

Condolence From Michael Fernandes

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:04:20 EST

My condolences to the entire Keefe family. While I only know a small portion of the family, losing a grandfather is still a very big deal. My heart and my prayers go out to you.

Condolence From Linda Bernier Helferty

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:57:08 EST

My thoughts are with all of you at this time. So sorry to learn of his passing and I will remember him fondly.

Condolence From Lois Oelrich

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:26:13 EST

To Tracy and family: I was awed to read your dad's obituary. What a man he was and how proud you must be! Sincere condolences, Lois Oelrich

Condolence From Mark Pawlina

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:03:14 EST

We have lost another great son of Hartford. My heart goes out to the Keefe family.

Condolence From David Howlett

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:03:40 EST

Charlie, I had the great honor and privilege to be your son-in-law. When I married Cathy, you took me into the arms of the family and offered the love, advice and support of a father. You shared the family stories with me. You were always there for Nathan, Andrew & Brian as you attended all their events from birth to college graduations. How many times did you baby sit, watch baseball, soccer, football and basketball games, or sit through music programs and jazz concerts? You were always there for us! I will miss our special times together, especially my stopping by to chat at your home in Niantic after Wednesday night sailing, or going out for a boat ride, or playing a game of golf. I will miss your jokes, your stories, your encouragement and your interest in all our lives. And, you always ended our conversations by asking me how my mother was doing. I will miss you dearly, Chief, but I'll always remember the joyous times we've had together, with my family and the entire Keefe clan. There is a lot of love there. You did a good job, sir. Rest in peace. With my love, David

Condolence From Zeke Mathena

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:43 EST

My prayers and condolences go out to the entire family. I started my police career when I became a part-time officer with the Canton Police Department in 1978. I then became a full-time officer there until I accepted a position with Bloomfield PD in 1994. Chief Keefe was a great guy to work for. I have a host of great memories and stories from that time period…I tried not to upset him too often. Working for him helped mold me into the cop I was to become…and throughout my career I often thought of him. I have since retired and moved to Florida…I was asking about Chief Keefe recently as I knew even way back then he spent a lot of time down here. I sadly missed my chance to reconnect with him…I guess it will have to wait a bit until I get that chance to see him again. God Bless You All…..Rest in Peace Chief Zeke Mathena

Story shared: A Family Remembered

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:47:02 EST

My heart felt condolences to all of the Keefe family on the passing of your Dad. I might have met him once or twice as with your mother, yet had heard many stories about him from your sister Laura. Laura had a way of telling a story that made us all laugh and I remember one in particular about your Dad. I can’t begin to tell it as funny as she could but it was about Chief Keefe driving a car full of children in Hartford and someone trying to break into the car at a stop light. I lived with Laura for many years, and there was never a dull moment. She spoke fondly of all her brothers and sisters and of her mother and dad. I was with her when she lost her mom and I was there when we lost her. I still shed a tear over her untimely departure from our lives. When we had a child come down for x-rays, I would always look for Laura for help. Children were especially hard for me but she loved them all. She had a special way with them and she always attributed it to caring for her many siblings. I loved Laura with all my heart and felt her love for all her family. She was so proud of her Dad and I’m sure she and your mom couldn’t wait to bring him home. With Sincere Sympathy, Betty Aitkin

Photo shared: Grandpa and I

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:16:23 EST

Condolence From Zack

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:51:28 EST

Grandpa, It's with utter disbelief that I write this message. I've received numerous compliments from cops around CT telling me what a great cop and man you were but to me you were my grandfather. Someone who put me to work down the beach, taught me how to make a bed, carve a turkey, whistle, change my oil, bleed a radiator and mow a lawn the right way. This past year has been a blessing. I saw you just about everyday and I'm truly grateful for that. You inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement and I'm devastated you wont be able to see me graduate the academy. I know you're with your parents and my aunts and grandma now. I'm as happy as I am sad. I'll remember to keep two hands on the wheel when driving and remove my hat when indoors. I'll never forget the sight of you walking down the dock with your sunglasses on, hands behind your back and whistling one of your famous tunes. I've got a lot to live up to and hope I can be half the cop and man you were. So long Gramps. Love you more than you'll ever know. Take care. Zachary

Condolence From Erin Connor

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:29:49 EST

Grandpa, I had 33 wonderful years with you. I feel so blessed that my daughters got to meet you. I will have many stories to tell them of you as they grow over the years. You are one of a kind and I will always hold your memory close to my heart. I will miss you. Love, Erin

Condolence From Erin Peck and Family

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:51:33 EST

May you see God's light on the path ahead When the road you walk is dark. May you always hear, Even in your hour of sorrow, The gentle singing of the lark. When times are hard may hardness Never turn your heart to stone, May you always remember When the shadows fall- You do not walk alone. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

Condolence From Leo Chupron

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:47:31 EST

Charles Keefe was one tough old time cop. When he yelled everyone moved. Inside he was a teddy bear. The world just lost another True Grit American.

Condolence From John & Family

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:10:33 EST

Our thoughts and prayers are with you with the passing of your father. Terry & Mary Galusha

Condolence From Sgt:David Dufault(Ret.HPD)

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:25:36 EST

Rest in Peace Chief.... Thank you for your dedicated service to your Country, Community & Family...You will be missed!!!!

Memorial Candle lit by Geraldine Keefe

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:35:55 EST

All of your children

Condolence From Sandie Terenzi

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:45:41 EST

Dear Drs.Chuck, Tracy Matt and entire Keefe family: I am so saddened to hear the news about the loss of you Father and Grandfather. It is so hard to lose a loved one. My heart goes out to all of you. May you find peace with all your loving memories. Sincerely, Sandie Terenzi

Condolence From Ellen Jagielo

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:19:23 EST

May the rise and fall of the "tides" bring you comfort, fond memories, and a thought way above the sea. Thoughts go out to all of you during this difficult time. Ellen Jagielo

Condolence From Geri

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:59:15 EST

Dad, I have always dreaded the day that I would read your obituary, I prayed it would never come. But it has, and I am starting to realize how happy you must be with Mom, Laurie, Peggy and your parents. What a wonderful reunion. I love you so much. You were the best Dad anyone could ever wish for. May you rest in peace and watch over all of us. Your Irish eyes will shine on in my heart forever. I love you, always. ~ Geri

Condolence From Lowell Humphrey

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:04:43 EST

My family and I extend our sincere sympathy for your loss. Your husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather was always "The Chief" to me. He was very patient and understanding toward a young, impatient, and sometimes pesky teenager who had his heart set on being a police officer. With his firm guidance and fine example he allowed me to succeed and for that I am forever grateful. I will never forget him taking me for my first ride in one of our VW Rabbit cruisers and watching the expressions of passing motorists as we drove by. Rest in Peace Chief.

Condolence From Captain Joseph J. Buyak, III Hartford Police Department

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:35:14 EST

To the Keefe family...May your memories sustain you in this time of great sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Major Keefe...It was my distinct honor and pleasure to lead you and your family members on a tour of HPD Headquarters last year. Your warmth, humor and recollections of "the good ole days at HPD" made me smile and reinforced my firmest belief that you and police officers of your era paved the way for those of us who still serve in the greatest profession on earth...Rest peacefully sir...

Photo shared: Keefe.jpg

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:25:56 EST